Pain Behind the Knee with Extension

What Causes Pain Behind the Knee with Extension?

Pain behind the knee with extension is not that common. Most posterior knee pain is present with deep knee flexion or kneeling. Therefore, it is important to understand the region of the pain to help delineate what the source of the pain may be coming from.

Back of the Knee Anatomy

The main structures in the back (posterior aspect) of the knee include the menisci and the hamstring tendons across the knee. In addition, pathological swelling of this portion of the knee, which usually occurs due to a leak in the posteromedial joint capsule, is called a Baker’s cyst.

Can Meniscus Tear Cause Pain Behind Knee?

Large meniscal flap tears, meniscal root tears which are displaced and extruded, and a Baker’s cyst all could cause pain behind the knee when extended. In addition, a very swollen Baker’s cyst could get pinched between the hamstring tendons and have posterior knee pain when the knee is out straight. A rare condition called snapping hamstrings could also catch over the posterior aspect of the femoral condyles and have an audible “clunk,” which can lead to behind knee pain.

Is Pain in Back of Knee Common?

Pain in back of the knee with full knee extension is uncommon. If there are any concerns about the severity of pain, one should see a physician to find out the etiology of its cause.

NOTICE: Effective June 1, 2019, Dr. LaPrade will be practicing at Twin Cities Orthopedics in both the Edina and Eagan Minnesota Clinics and Surgery Centers

I can't say enough good things about Dr. LaPrade. His dedication to excellence and his passion for creating the best outcomes for patients is evident in everything he does. I had a double-bundle PCL reconstruction using autografts in AUG '18. It's 6 months later, and I'm progressing well. My stress x-rays indicate a successful surgery, and I'm able to cycle and jog (under controlled circumstances) again. I feel like Dr. LaPrade's expertise has given me the opportunity to return to my active lifestyle with confidence in my knee and surrounding muscles. I am grateful to him, his staff, and the highly skilled PT's at Howard Head for getting me back on my feet and doing the things I love. Thank you!

I've had three knee surgeries with Dr. LaPrade, two of which were highly complex reconstructive surgeries. He's amazing! Besides being one of the best knee surgeons in the country, he's really compassionate. There are jerseys hung up all over the walls from famous athletes that he's operated on, and he's the knee surgeon for the Olympic ski team, and yet he never treated me as less important than them even though I'm only fifteen and have no Olympic prospects. Also, everyone at Steadman clinic is really great, and so are all the physical therapists at Howard Head. If you have surgery with Dr. LaPrade, expect amazing care from the entire team. I'm so grateful that I was able to have my surgeries with Dr. LaPrade! He did an excellent job, and now my surgical knee is stronger and more flexible than my other one. Thank you!

Dr LaPrade, Vail Hospital, Howard Head physical therapy and the ENTIRE team are the BEST!!! After 6 failed knee surgeries in Tulsa that left me with almost no knee motion or hope for any in the future, I found a HERO and miracle working Surgeon who literally performed my LAST surgery that gave me my knee motion and life back as I have nearly PERFECT motion now! He’s one of the most caring, kind, compassionate, and skillful complex knee surgeons you will ever find with an equally skilled and caring team from check in to surgery and follow up!! Thank GOD for all of you!!! Cameron Arthur, Chief of Police, Jenks, Oklahoma

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I can't say enough good things about Dr. LaPrade. His dedication to excellence and his passion for creating the best outcomes for patients is evident in everything he does. I had a double-bundle PCL reconstruction using autografts in AUG '18. It's 6 months later, and I'm progressing well. My stress x-rays indicate a successful surgery, and I'm able to cycle and jog (under controlled circumstances) again. I feel like Dr. LaPrade's expertise has given me the opportunity to return to my active lifestyle with confidence in my knee and surrounding muscles. I am grateful to him, his staff, and the highly skilled PT's at Howard Head for getting me back on my feet and doing the things I love. Thank you!

"Dr Laprade operated me after my father took me to the Steadman Clinic, and having been operated once before in MX, he rebuilt my knee and made me fully functional since then. A very human Physician, and incredible care." - Galia S.

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